New Hampshire Enacts Military Spouse Job-Protection Law

Effective January 1, 2026, New Hampshire will add new employment protections for certain employees whose spouses are involuntarily mobilized for military service.  House Bill 225, signed into law in July 2025, provides job security and reinstatement protections during a spouse’s mobilization, meaning these employees cannot be discharged, denied employment, or subjected to adverse action because of their spouse’s mobilization. The law applies to employers with fifty (50) or more employees at a single location in New Hampshire, creating a safeguard for military families during times of deployment. The new law is designed to fill a gap in existing protections. While federal law, such as the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), provides job security for service members themselves, HB 225 extends similar protections to their spouses, recognizing the unique challenges they face when a partner is called to duty. Involuntary mobilizations often require spouses to manage household responsibilities, care for children, and navigate sudden logistical changes. By ensuring job stability, the law seeks to acknowledge the role military spouses play. To continue reading, click here.